Wednesday, December 8, 2010

As technology becomes more and more prevalent in our lives, it's nice to sometimes focus on the things that will never go out of style when it comes to kids. Because even though the gadgets that are flashed across the television screen and show up in the advertisements are cool and hip at the moment, there is something to be said for the classics: things like games and books.

You know, stuff from the good ol' days that actually teach kids something.

And one of the leading names in providing products to enhance a child's learning potential and environment with the best possible educational materials is Carson-Dellosa Publishing.

Founded by two teachers, Carson-Dellosa Publishing boasts a 30-year history of providing teachers, parents and children around the world with quality curriculum, supplemental learning materials and classroom resources produced by the industry's most recognized and respected award-winning brands. Everything from early childhood books to flash cards to games for all ages.

Being that I have two big fans of puzzles around here, particularly large floor puzzles, I knew that Big Sister E would be excited to put together one featuring something that both she and Little Sister B like to point out everywhere we go: trucks. And when the Construction Site giant floor puzzle arrived, she was clamoring to give it a go just by looking at the colorful box.

Opening it up, we found 34 large, durable pieces, including six pop-out truck shapes. After examining some of the many details, Big Sister E got right to work at finding pieces that fit together.

With a little help from me, she was soon matching up the images and finding puzzle pieces that lined up along the edges. Before we knew it, it was time to include the six trucks to finish off this fun picture.

Then, it was time to step back, way back, to see the finished results.

Even though I knew that the Construction Site floor puzzle was, in fact, a giant floor puzzle, even I was pretty impressed at what 5+ feet of what trucks, loaders, girders, and people hard at work would look like. This is quite a long puzzle!

As well as the motor skills and cognitive thinking involved in the act of putting this puzzle together, I appreciated the way that the pictures led easily to multiple discussions about the construction site, the people included and who they might be, how trucks work and many more. Putting this together was a great way to extend the learning experience for both of us!

For high quality products that are sure to bring years of use and enjoyment, this holiday season it's nice to consider something traditional and educational for the child on your list. The Construction Site giant floor puzzle retails for $15.99 and doesn't require batteries or produce any sounds or flashing lights. Instead, it's a traditional, timeless gift that boys and girls of all ages (and their parents) can appreciate.

Thanks to the generosity of Carson-Dellosa Publishing, one person will be able to provide a child in their life with a classic toy that the whole family will enjoy, because...

One lucky person will win a Construction Site giant floor puzzle from Carson-Dellosa Publishing!

To enter to win: Visit Carson-Dellosa Publishing and tell me the name of another of their high quality products you would like to own.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win an Alphabet Train Giant Floor Puzzle from Carson-Dellosa!1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Carson-Dellosa Publishing on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the Holiday Gift Guide giveaways (Checking Our List giveaways ONLY) running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.3 Extra Entries if you have our Checking Our List {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Carson-Dellosa. Please leave an address where it can be found.Giveaway will end on December 30th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Carson-Dellosa Publishing for providing a Construction Site Giant Floor Puzzle for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.